In 2002, 200 peony seeds embarked on an extraordinary journey aboard China’s Shenzhou-3 spacecraft, spending nearly seven days in orbit. Now, two decades later, these cosmic travelers have blossomed into 400 vibrant flowers in Heze City, known as the peony capital of the Chinese mainland. The ‘space peonies’ showcase striking characteristics, with reports noting larger petals, richer hues, and enhanced resilience compared to Earth-grown counterparts.
Heze’s Baihua Garden has become a hub for researchers and visitors alike, blending agricultural innovation with cultural pride. CGTN’s Li Yiqing recently explored the garden, uncovering how exposure to microgravity and cosmic radiation altered the plants’ genetic makeup—a breakthrough with implications for bioengineering and sustainable agriculture. Experts suggest these findings could open doors for new commercial applications, attracting interest from global investors and botanists.
As Asia continues to lead in space-agriculture research, the story of these peonies reflects broader trends in China’s scientific advancement. For travelers and diaspora communities, Heze’s annual peony festival now features these celestial blooms, merging traditional horticulture with cutting-edge science.
